Saving Is Not A Bad Thing
A nephew of mine asked who likes spending wisely? The question wasn't personal, it was a political question. This morning I read an article in the Miami Herald that points to state budget surpluses in Ohio and other States while many towns and other governmental agencies have unmet needs and are having to cut back to balance their budgets. And not to cut too fine a point on things the Federal Government is able to slash income taxes, increase spending, and increase the Federal Debt. According to the article even West Virginia has a rainy day fund.
Friday Afternoon, as I experience my comfortable retirement in a modest apartment, sparsely furnished I tried to finish watching a PBS documentary on the coal mining wars in Southern West Virginia in 1900-1920. The mine owners and the coal miners were always fighting. Profit versus survival of the miners. Strikes versus strike breakers. Mother Jones and the UMW versus the Mine Owners.
Thursday, I listened to two older Vets at the local American Legion laugh about not having electricity on the farm and no indoor plumbing when they were kids. They both graduated from the farm to become a banker and a commercial photographer respectively. They have both been able to raise families, buy houses and get medical care as needed. One a Korean War Vet, the other served in Viet Nam.
Having reserves to pay for stuff when you need the money makes decisions more focused. If you have no income, no job, and no assets, you are not in a good place.
Which brings me to Merle Travis and Tennessee Ernie Ford.
Friday Afternoon, as I experience my comfortable retirement in a modest apartment, sparsely furnished I tried to finish watching a PBS documentary on the coal mining wars in Southern West Virginia in 1900-1920. The mine owners and the coal miners were always fighting. Profit versus survival of the miners. Strikes versus strike breakers. Mother Jones and the UMW versus the Mine Owners.
Thursday, I listened to two older Vets at the local American Legion laugh about not having electricity on the farm and no indoor plumbing when they were kids. They both graduated from the farm to become a banker and a commercial photographer respectively. They have both been able to raise families, buy houses and get medical care as needed. One a Korean War Vet, the other served in Viet Nam.
Having reserves to pay for stuff when you need the money makes decisions more focused. If you have no income, no job, and no assets, you are not in a good place.
Which brings me to Merle Travis and Tennessee Ernie Ford.
Some people say a man is made outta mud
A poor man's made outta muscle and blood
Muscle and blood and skin and bones
A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong
A poor man's made outta muscle and blood
Muscle and blood and skin and bones
A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong
You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store
I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine
I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal
And the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"
I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal
And the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"
You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store.
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store.
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